Modulating function of neural structures near the ear

摘要

Stimulation of the facial nerve system (e.g., electrically, electromagnetically, etc.) in ischemic stroke patients will cause dilation of occluded arteries and dilation of surrounding arteries, allowing for blood flow to circumvent the obstruction and reach previously-deprived tissue. The device approaches the facial nerve and its branches in the vicinity of the ear. In use, the device can be inserted into the ear canal and/or placed in proximity to the ear in order to stimulate the facial nerve system non-invasively (e.g., using an electromagnetic field). The device can be used in the emergency treatment of acute stroke or chronically variations for long-term maintenance of blood flow to the brain and stroke prevention. Additional embodiments of the device may be adapted for use on different regions of the body.

主权项

1. An apparatus, comprising:
one or more electrically-conductive elements; a positioning ear piece insertable into an ear canal of a subject; an energy-regulating housing adapted to contain the one or more electrically-conductive elements, the energy regulating housing adapted to electrically insulate the one or more electrically-conductive elements and dissipate heat, the energy-regulating housing comprising:
a first surface configured to face a subject and rest against an external ear of the subject and comprise materials having lower thermal conductivity than other surfaces of the housing,a second surface configured to enclose the positioning ear piece and comprising heat resistant materials,and a third surface configured to face away from the subject and comprising materials having a higher thermal conductivity than the first surface,wherein the first, second, and third surfaces are electrically insulating; a stimulus generator in electrical communication with the one or more electrically-conductive elements and configured to deliver stimulus energy to the one or more electrically-conductive elements in a manner that allows the one or more electrically-conductive elements to generate an electromagnetic field to stimulate a portion of a neural system of the subject; and a power source in communication with the stimulus generator for providing stimulus energy to the stimulus generator.